Cholera under control in Ashanti Region

The infectious cholera disease that causes severe diarrheoa, leading to dehydration and even death if untreated, has been kept under control in the Ashanti Region.

Reported cases here, according to health officials, had been few and far from getting anywhere near an epidemic outbreak.

Dr Kwesi Yeboah-Awudzi, Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Health Services, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the disease had been largely contained because of the strong preventive measures put in place.

"Disease control officers have been actively engaged with the campaign of helping the people to do the simple and basic things to avoid catching the infection," he said.

Out of 160 suspected cases seen at the health facilities across the region, 40 were confirmed with two deaths.

These were reported from six districts; Kumasi, Asante-Akim Central, Kwabre East, Asante-Akim South, Ahafo-Ano South and Adansi South.

Dr Joseph Oduro, Deputy Regional Director in-charge of Public Health, confirmed the figures and said the situation should, however, not make anybody complacent.

All should continue to remain alert, do everything to tackle poor sanitation and to stay away from contaminated food.

“Vibrio cholerae” the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food and water contaminated by faeces from a person with the infection.